Whilst the economic agenda continues to dominate adult learning policy, evidence from national surveys indicates that vocational and other learning opportunities continue to be unevenly distributed according to social class. This article argues that the concept of social capital can usefully be employed to increase participation for adults who do…

Success in engaging learners defined as "hard to reach" always relies on developing a tailor-made approach; and working with parents through their children's schools has proved a successful model. Moving on from offering primarily craft-based activities as a first step into learning for Bangladeshi mothers, a joint project in schools…

In this age of rapid technological and economic change, life-long learning is becoming a way of life. The average age of students will become greater. Participation in learning activities by learners 18 and over increased from 38 percent in 1991 to 50 percent in 1999 (U.S. Department of Education, NCES, 1999). As the population seeks more…

As the educational environment becomes increasingly diverse, adult educators are poised to serve as invaluable resources to adult learners, both as links to reliable health information and builders of skills. Health literacy skills are important tools that prepare learners to access, understand, and use information to make informed health…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a "soft methodology" model in knowledge management that addresses the problem of accessing and managing one particular type of knowledge: personal (implicit/tacit) knowledge. Design/methodology/approach: The model is based on the theories and methodologies of grounded theory, adult…

Accompanying awareness of the potential for lifelong learning to secure social inclusion and economic survival, e-learning has grown in significance and a fragile consensus about its purposes has emerged among stakeholders. The University for Industry (Ufi) and its e-learning arm, learndirect, have focused efforts especially (but not entirely)…

This article explores some of the ill-defined provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act and its compelling arguments. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 was born in controversy, and the passage of time has not lessened the controversy surrounding it. Initially, this act appeared to be legislation which would have little or no impact on…

Economic and demographic changes are dramatically increasing the need for adult education, basic literacy, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs. Millions of Illinois residents lack the level of literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs, perform well on the job, and function well in an increasingly complex society. Addressing the scope…

Adult education standards are the cornerstone for quality teaching, quality learning, and quality lives. The Arizona Adult Education Standards Initiative (Standards Initiative) represents a proactive effort by Arizona's adult education community to ensure rigor and consistency in program content and student outcomes for adult learners throughout…

Historically, religion and spirituality have been major influences in the social, cultural, and political lives of African Americans. Spirituality is deeply embedded into their rich cultural heritage, and it is intertwined into all aspects of their life, including beliefs about health and illness. For African Americans, health and illness are a…

Although video has long been used as a teaching aid in adult literacy and basic education, literacy researchers seem to have ignored the potential benefits of using video as a tool that could add rigour to research. Reporting on their field experiences of an adult literacy learning study in Canada, the authors provide a narrative account of their…

Based on the experiences of teachers of adult continuing education, this manual was developed to introduce adult educators to the field and the practice of adult education, especially in universities. The book is organized in seven chapters, each containing practical material along with observations of the adult educators. The introductory chapter…

The Training Ohio's Parents for Success (TOPS) program aims to increase parents' involvement in the education of their children and increase the linkages between home and school. This resource guide was developed to assist school districts in the process of providing materials and trainers to all school districts in Ohio. This resource guide is…

Ontario Rural Literacy is a special interest group of educators concerned with the particular needs of literacy programs in rural areas of Ontario. The group promotes awareness of literacy issues among the general public as well as providing support to member programs. The 12 members of the provincial steering committee represent all regions of…

This guide is designed to help teachers plan and implement integrated, theme-based (ITB) instruction for adults. Chapter 1 provides an overview of integrated, thematic instruction. Chapter 2 discusses important assumptions about how adults learn. Chapter 3 provides a general discussion of differences among individuals in their approach to learning…